A purchase order template is an accounting source document. A business uses the document to place an order to purchase goods or services from a supplier.
In use, the original purchase order goes to the supplier of the goods. Subsequently the first copy goes to the warehouse to await receipt of the goods, and the final copy goes to the accounts department with supporting documents such as supplier invoices attached to it.
It is important to emphasize that the purchase order is not an invoice, but sets out details of the goods the business is ordering from the supplier. Consequently the purchase order format includes quantities, descriptions, unit prices, and total value amount. Additionally it contains contractual terms such as delivery dates and payment terms.
The business forms a legally binding contract with the supplier when they accept the purchase order and therefore care needs to be taken to ensure proper authorization.
Further details of the use of the purchase order and other accounting source documents can be found at our accounting source documents tutorial.
The PDF file available for download below, will help you to produce your own purchase orders.
Blank Purchase Order Template Free Download
The blank purchase order template is available for download in PDF format by following the link below.
Users use this free purchase order form at their own risk. We make no warranty or representation as to its accuracy. We are covered by the terms of our legal disclaimer, which you are deemed to have read. This is an example of purchase order sample that you might use. It is purely illustrative. This is not intended to reflect general standards or targets for any particular company or sector. If you do spot a mistake in the purchase order format, please let us know and we will try to fix it.
About the Author
Chartered accountant Michael Brown is the founder and CEO of Double Entry Bookkeeping. He has worked as an accountant and consultant for more than 25 years and has built financial models for all types of industries. He has been the CFO or controller of both small and medium sized companies and has run small businesses of his own. He has been a manager and an auditor with Deloitte, a big 4 accountancy firm, and holds a degree from Loughborough University.